Child abuse or neglect

Dealing with suspected child abuse & neglect

Minnesota 4-H volunteers are required by University of Minnesota Board of Regents policy to promptly report observed or suspected abuse or neglect of any minor.

Types of abuse

Minnesota law provides important definitions of neglect and abuse that Extension employees and Minnesota 4-H Volunteers need to be familiar with in their work with minors. The definitions are:

Physical abuse

Any physical injury or threat of substantial injury, other than by accident. (It does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child by a parent/guardian that does not result in an injury.)

Sexual abuse

A criminal sexual act or threatened act against a child.

Neglect

The failure of the child’s caregiver to:

• Supply necessary food, clothing and shelter, medical or mental health care, or appropriate supervision.

• Protect the child from conditions or actions that endanger the child.

• Ensure that a child is educated according to the law.

Mental injury

Harm to the child’s psychological or emotional stability to an extent that substantially impairs the child’s functioning.

Basic reporting guidelines

Any Minnesota 4-H Volunteer who witnesses, suspects, or receives a report of child abuse or neglect, is required to take steps to protect the minor without further investigation. It is not the role of the Minnesota 4-H Volunteer to conduct an investigation. Doing so could, in fact, put the youth at further risk.

What to report

Any of the following situations are reasons for a Minnesota 4-H Volunteer to report suspected child abuse or neglect:   

• You see a sign or symptom.

• You witness an incident.

• A child confides the abuse or neglect to you.

If a child confides the abuse or neglect, remain calm and be a good listener. Do not promise the child that you will not tell because you have a duty to report it to those who can help. Only ask four questions as any other questions may contaminate the case:

• What happened?

• When did this happen?

• Where were you when this happened?

• Who did this to you?

Do not share the information learned from the child with the alleged perpetrator.

When reporting abuse or neglect, provide as much of the following information as possible:

• The child’s name, description, age and address.

• The name and address of the person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child.

• Any facts known about the suspected abuse or neglect (what happened, when and where did this happen, who did this).

How to report

Report abuse to the appropriate authorities immediately. After reporting to authorities, Minnesota 4-H Volunteers are advised to keep their supervisor (Local Extension Educator or other Extension employee who placed them in their role) informed of the report. If the supervisor is the alleged perpetrator or otherwise might be involved, inform that individual’s supervisor.

• If a minor is in immediate danger:

  • Call 911 right away. It is important to call 911 first to ensure that help is on the way before attempting to remove the child from harm.

  • Remove the child from the harmful situation.

• If the minor is not in immediate danger but child abuse or neglect is suspected:

  • Call the local police department, county sheriff or social service agency (e.g. child protection, family services, health and human services, welfare) to report the possible abuse or neglect.

  • The report should be made as soon as possible and must be reported within 24 hours.

  • Once the situation is reported, trained welfare or law enforcement professionals will determine whether neglect, physical or sexual abuse occurred.

Compliance with reporting & protection from retaliation

• The University prohibits retaliation against any individual who makes a good faith report under this policy.

• The University provides for discontinuance of a Minnesota 4-H Volunteer who fails to report or engages in retaliation.

• State law protects any person making a good faith report from any criminal or civil liability, including defamation. State law also permits criminal prosecution if a mandatory reporter does not report.

Contact

Pat Morreim, program manager, morre002@umn.edu, 763-427-5428